Channel 4 has confirmed that John Aiken will step in for Mel Schilling on Married At First Sight UK, following the star's devastating health update. Schilling, 54, revealed on Thursday that her cancer has spread to her brain and can no longer be treated, saying: 'I don't know how long I have left'.
The relationship expert had already confirmed last month that she would not return for the next Australian series. Channel 4 announced that Aiken, a fellow MAFS Australia expert, will take her place on the UK version while filming continues.
In a statement, a Channel 4 spokesperson said: 'All of us at Channel 4 are immeasurably saddened by the news about Mel's health... Her wisdom, warmth, humour and kindness shine through... With Mel's blessing, her good friend and fellow MAFS Australia expert, John Aiken, has done us the great favour of stepping in for her for this series.'
Schilling first revealed in December 2023 that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent surgery. The disease later spread to her lungs in 2024, and over Christmas doctors discovered it had metastasised to her brain. She has undergone 16 rounds of chemotherapy while continuing to film MAFS.
